Hi, I’m Alexandra “Xandy” Broaddus
I create culturally immersive, mindfully crafted journeys for curious travelers who want to understand a destination—not simply check it off a list.
From slow-paced European adventures and river cruises to wellness retreats, meaningful group getaways, and heritage-focused travel, I’ll help you experience the world in a way that feels authentic, personal, and unforgettable.
About Me
The best trips aren’t measured by how many places you visit.
They’re measured by the connections you make along the way.
I’m Alexandra “Xandy” Broaddus, a Travel Advisor with Gilded Getaways and the former owner of A Brodi Abroad. I specialize in thoughtfully curated journeys for culturally curious travelers who want more than a checklist of sights.
My clients are drawn to experiences that bring a destination to life: sharing a meal made with locally sourced ingredients, learning a traditional craft from an artisan, wandering through a neighborhood market, tracing family roots through ancestral landscapes, or simply spending enough time in one place to truly get a feel for it.
I’m based in Pacifica, California, in the Bay Area. When I’m not designing dream itineraries, you’ll likely find me practicing yoga, walking my pups along the Pacific coastline, planning my next European adventure, or searching for the perfect cup of coffee and a good book.
Quick Snapshot
What I love to plan
- ✔Slow travel throughout Europe
- ✔Cultural and culinary journeys
- ✔Wellness travel and restorative retreats
- ✔River cruises and small-group travel
- ✔Couples, friends, book clubs, and women’s getaways
- ✔Heritage, ancestry, and community-focused travel
By the Numbers
A lifetime of travel perspective brought to every itinerary.
My Approach
Travel With Purpose
Thoughtful planning creates the freedom to slow down, connect more deeply, and leave room for the unexpected moments that become your favorite memories.
Connect
Experience local culture through meaningful encounters, knowledgeable local guides, hands-on learning, food, history, and traditions.
Support
Whenever possible, support locally owned lodging, small businesses, artisans, guides, and community-based tourism.
Travel Responsibly
Consider sustainable options, thoughtful transportation, and choices that reduce unnecessary environmental impact.
Uncover More
Slow down, discover hidden gems, and preserve enough flexibility for a little travel magic to unfold.
How I Can Help
How would you like to experience the world?
Every trip begins with your interests, your pace, and the connections you want to make. These are a few of the journeys I especially love bringing to life.
Slow Travel Europe
Spend less time racing between cities and more time experiencing local food, neighborhoods, history, and the distinct character of each place.
River Cruises
Explore the heart of Europe with ease, unpack once, and pair your sailing with thoughtfully selected pre- or post-cruise stays.
Cultural & Culinary Travel
Discover a destination through the flavors, stories, traditions, markets, artisans, and people who make it unlike anywhere else.
Wellness Escapes
Build in space to restore, reconnect, move your body, spend time in nature, and return home feeling better than when you left.
Literary & Heritage Journeys
Follow the stories that matter to you, from book-club adventures to ancestral landscapes and deeply personal heritage travel.
Meaningful Group Getaways
Create a shared journey for couples, friends, women’s groups, or book clubs with connection, culture, and plenty of room to enjoy one another.
A Place That Changed Me
The Isle of Skye felt like walking through time.
During college, I had the opportunity to spend a week studying on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, where some of my ancestors came from. I learned a little Gaelic, practiced traditional Highland dances, cooked regional dishes, and hiked along trails older than the United States.
Imagining my ancestors walking the same stone paths and speaking a language still taught today created a connection I can only describe as a soul connection. I was also fortunate enough to share the trip with my mom, making the experience even more meaningful.
That journey shaped my love for heritage travel and for helping people connect with the histories, cultures, and landscapes that make a destination deeply personal.
Personal Travel Favorites
Places I know, love, and can’t stop talking about.
A Place I Called Home
Puerto Rico
Living in Puerto Rico for three years gave me a perspective no quick visit could. It deepened my appreciation for local culture, community, and the hidden gems travelers often miss.
Favorite Hotel
Glenlo Abbey
This five-star Galway estate blends old-world character with contemporary elegance, complete with beautiful grounds, falconry, a spa, and an unforgettable restaurant inside restored Orient Express carriages.
Caribbean Favorite
Saint Lucia
The scenery was stunning, and the scuba diving was world class—including a shipwreck just offshore. It’s one of those destinations I would love to experience more deeply.
A Travel Story I’ll Never Forget
My mom’s luggage had a more luxurious trip than we did.
Her checked bag didn’t arrive in Greece before we boarded our inter-island cruise. Forever optimistic, she assumed it was only a few hours behind us and skipped the emergency shopping trip.
Several days, repeatedly washed essentials, and one very well-traveled pair of white shorts later, her suitcase was finally airlifted by helicopter to meet us on the third island.
The experience made me a committed carry-on-only traveler and reinforced why I take travel insurance seriously—especially coverage for delayed, lost, or damaged luggage.
Travel Personality
A few quick things to know about the way I travel.
Next Dream Vacation
Amsterdam, tulips, and a milestone river cruise.
Amsterdam has always been on my bucket list, and I’m dreaming of experiencing it for my 40th birthday in 2027—possibly as the beginning or end of a European river cruise.
Picture springtime fields of tulips rolling past the ship, iconic windmills on the horizon, a locally sourced glass of wine on the balcony, a bike excursion, and a farm-to-table meal shared with friends and family.
That combination of place, people, food, and meaningful celebration is exactly the kind of travel experience I love most.
Who I Work Best With
We might be a perfect fit if...
You value experiences over checklists and want to understand a destination—not just pass through it.
We’ll probably work beautifully together if...
- ✔You would rather spend more time in fewer places than rush through a packed itinerary.
- ✔You get excited about local food, history, traditions, artisans, and neighborhood discoveries.
- ✔You appreciate thoughtful planning but still want room for spontaneity and serendipity.
- ✔You want your trip to support local communities whenever possible.
- ✔You care more about meaningful experiences than collecting destinations.
- ✔You want a journey that feels deeply personal rather than cookie-cutter.
We may not be the right fit if...
- ✕You want to visit six countries in seven days.
- ✕Your only goal is to check as many attractions as possible off a list.
- ✕You want a rigid, minute-by-minute itinerary with no breathing room.
- ✕You’re looking exclusively for the cheapest possible option, regardless of experience or fit.
- ✕You prefer to stay entirely inside a resort rather than connect with the destination around you.
Kind Words From Travelers
Personalized planning. Seamless details. Genuine care.
“Alexandra made this experience one of the best trips I have ever taken! Everything was seamless, organized, and detail-oriented. I didn’t have to do any thinking, thanks to her. The personalized service made us enjoy every moment.”
“Alexandra exhibits a high standard of quality and professionalism in every aspect of her business. She is very easy to work with and will go the extra mile for you.”
Ready When You Are
Let’s create a journey worth remembering.
If you’re looking for thoughtfully designed travel filled with meaningful experiences, incredible food, local connections, hidden gems, and the freedom to discover a little magic along the way, I would love to help.